Moving Your Numbers features the work of districts with varying demographics that have used assessment and accountability to improve the performance of students with disabilities as part of district-wide improvement efforts. While each district featured had its own way of organizing its work for making and sustaining improvements in instructional practice and student learning, each of them implemented a set of practices that, when used in an aligned and coherent manner, are associated with higher student achievement. These include:
1. Use data well;
2. Focus your goals;
3. Select and implement shared instructional practices;
4. Implement deeply;
5. Monitor and provide feedback and support;
6. Inquire and learn [taken from McNulty, B.A., & Besser, L. (2011). Leaders make it happen! An administrator’s guide to data teams. Englewood, CO: Lead + Learn Press.]
The Moving Your Numbers Key Practices Guide provides a rationale for each of these practices and offers considerations for state education agencies (including regional technical assistance providers), districts and their schools, and parents and families as they work to improve achievement and outcomes for all students.